Down Ballot Banter

Ever wondered what the Commissioner of Labor really does or why a picture in an elevator just doesn’t cut it? Join us for a special live episode of Down Ballot Banter recorded at No Preference Fest, where Monét and Quay sit down with Braxton Winston—labor union advocate, former Charlotte City Council member, and current candidate for NC Labor Commissioner. From working within the system to shaking it up from the outside, we explore how change happens, the everyday violence of unsafe workplaces, and why electing the right people matters.

Heads up: there are some cuss words in this episode. Just a few!

We dedicate this episode to the memory of Wednesday "Wendy" Johnson. May we build an NC that creates safe and dignified jobs for all workers. Learn more about her story here.

• Want to get to know Braxton? Check out his website!
• Learn about both candidates for Commissioner of Labor.
• Learn about the Council of States.

Are you ready to start the conversation? Eat, chat and act with Down Ballot Brunch.

Down Ballot Banter is hosted by Monèt Marshall and Quay Weston and is a production of Earfluence.

Ever IG-stalk your political heroes? Well, Quay has. In this episode of Down Ballot Banter, we’re joined by Blair Reeves, the man behind Carolina Forward, who’s been out here fighting the good fight for state-level sanity (think: keeping loaded AR-15s out of schools – yep, that was almost a thing). We break down why local elections matter, how gerrymandering makes everything messier, and why building trust in a world of misinformation is harder than finding a parking spot in downtown Durham.

Are you ready to start the conversation? Eat, chat and act with Down Ballot Brunch.

Down Ballot Banter is hosted by Monèt Marshall and Quay Weston and is a production of Earfluence.

In the debut episode of Down Ballot Banter, hosts Monèt Noelle Marshall and Quay Weston kick off the conversation about the world of local politics. Have you ever wondered how local elections impact your daily life? From zoning laws to public schools, these often-overlooked decisions shape our communities in surprising ways. Monèt and Quay share personal stories—state-level impacts on preserving family land to federal-level policy on domestic workers and farmers—demonstrating why political engagement at all levels is so crucial. Join them on this journey to break down local elections, get informed, and even laugh a little while learning how to make your voice heard!

Sketches of Pitt County, a brief history of the county, 1704-1910 (page 71)

Uniform Partition of Heirs Property Act 

Are you ready to start the conversation? Eat, chat and act with Down Ballot Brunch.

Down Ballot Banter is hosted by Monèt Marshall and Quay Weston and is a production of Earfluence.